Which 140mm fans to choose

[lazarba]

Okay, so I have nearly completed my build, and the last thing that remains are the fans . I want fans with 4 pin connectors , preferably black/ grey .
The fans that I have looked into are the TY141 by Thermalright, XF140 by Cryorig, Pure WIngs 2 by bequiet. These all seem like good products, but the Pure Wings fan has a 3pin connector instead of 4 so that is bad, while the TY141 are badly colored IMO. Still, I am uncertain. Which 140mm fan would you guys recommend ?Feel free to suggest entirely different fans! (Not Noctuas though, way overpriced and out of my budget).

 

[JackNaylorPE]

We use only 1 fan in all\of our builds and it's not any of those listed. We also stopped using any 4 pin fans. The advantage of PWM (4 pin) fans is low speed control. This disadvantage of 4 pin fans are:

-at low speed, many emit a clicking or humming noise
-some brands lose speed control if too many are ganged on a single channel (Corsair)
-they cost $5 to $15 more per fan

Today's fan control PCBs give you the best of both worlds, providing PWM speed control of 4 pin fans.

Here's a head to head comparison of the infamous Noctua AF-15 and the Phanteks F140SP. The Phanteks wins by 3C while spinning 300 rpm slower

http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/phenteks_f140/3.htm

In this roundup, silentpcreview ranked 25+ fans by performance / noise ration and again the Phanteks came out on top

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1345-page7.html

These were the top 10 (140mm in bold)

Phanteks PH-F140HP/TS
Noctua NF-A14 FLX
Noctua NF-A15 PWM
Noiseblocker B12-2
Noctua NF-P14 FLX
Scythe Gentle Typhoon 120-12
Noiseblocker M12-S1
Corsair AF120 Quiet
Corsair AF120 Performance
Thermalright TR-TY150

So, in short, I would recommend that you save some money and use a PWM/DCV Fan Control PCB which will let you control up to 11 fans on a single header. If you are still stuck on getting 4 pin, then there is a PWM version as well. But you will need a different PCB to control them

3 pin DCV fan - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835709023
4 pin PWM fan - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835709022

PWM=>DCV Fan Control PCB - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811984004
PWM=>PWM Fan Control PCB - http://www.amazon.com/Swiftech-8-Way-Splitter-Power-Connector/dp/B00IF6R4C8

I'll note that the DC version usually costs $10, $12 or $15 on newegg depending on discounts, this week it's $20. I usually buy 10 at a time when they are $10. If you are buying right away, the PWM offers no cost penalty right no so that advantage doesn't exist ATM.

Since that PCB became available, we have not done a single build with PWM. The ability to mount the PCB on the rear of the MoBo tray and run 1 wire to the PCB allows all individual fan wiring to be completely out of sight which is a big plus.

 

[lazarba]

We use only 1 fan in all\of our builds and it's not any of those listed. We also stopped using any 4 pin fans. The advantage of PWM (4 pin) fans is low speed control. This disadvantage of 4 pin fans are:

-at low speed, many emit a clicking or humming noise
-some brands lose speed control if too many are ganged on a single channel (Corsair)
-they cost $5 to $15 more per fan

Today's fan control PCBs give you the best of both worlds, providing PWM speed control of 4 pin fans.

Here's a head to head comparison of the infamous Noctua AF-15 and the Phanteks F140SP. The Phanteks wins by 3C while spinning 300 rpm slower

http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/phenteks_f140/3.htm

In this roundup, silentpcreview ranked 25+ fans by performance / noise ration and again the Phanteks came out on top

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1345-page7.html

These were the top 10 (140mm in bold)

Phanteks PH-F140HP/TS
Noctua NF-A14 FLX
Noctua NF-A15 PWM
Noiseblocker B12-2
Noctua NF-P14 FLX
Scythe Gentle Typhoon 120-12
Noiseblocker M12-S1
Corsair AF120 Quiet
Corsair AF120 Performance
Thermalright TR-TY150

So, in short, I would recommend that you save some money and use a PWM/DCV Fan Control PCB which will let you control up to 11 fans on a single header. If you are still stuck on getting 4 pin, then there is a PWM version as well. But you will need a different PCB to control them

3 pin DCV fan - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835709023
4 pin PWM fan - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835709022

PWM=>DCV Fan Control PCB - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811984004
PWM=>PWM Fan Control PCB - http://www.amazon.com/Swiftech-8-Way-Splitter-Power-Connector/dp/B00IF6R4C8

I'll note that the DC version usually costs $10, $12 or $15 on newegg depending on discounts, this week it's $20. I usually buy 10 at a time when they are $10. If you are buying right away, the PWM offers no cost penalty right no so that advantage doesn't exist ATM.

Since that PCB became available, we have not done a single build with PWM. The ability to mount the PCB on the rear of the MoBo tray and run 1 wire to the PCB allows all individual fan wiring to be completely out of sight which is a big plus.

To begin with, the hub is not available in my country, the noctua fans are out of the question and the phanteks fan is only available in red/white scheme which would suck in my case. The Thermalright one is cheap and available but way louder than the TY141. I plan on getting 3-4 140mm fans and another 2 120mm , therefore getting silent ones is of the essence .

I dont really know what a DCV fan is.
I was also planning on getting a Lamptron FC5v2 fan controller , but I was not happy about the fact my Mobo would no longer regulate fan speeds. I am guessing your hub thingy solves this problem. But as I said, its not available where I live and newegg still isnt doing international shipping.


If I were to stick to the Phanteks fans when they become available, which one would you recommend ? The HPs are supposed to be for CPU coolers if I am correct, so would the be suitable as case fans?

 

[JackNaylorPE]

1. If you have issues with availability, it's a good idea to name the country, so answers can be targeted to your situation.

http://phanteks.com/map.html

2. I wasn't suggesting Noctua fans but prior to Phanteks arrival they were generally considered the defacto "best fan" .

3. Phanteks fans are universally a black frame w/ white bladed. LED colors are white, blue, read, orange and green.

4. As for which ones, I recommended the ones I linked to (newegg gives good descriptions) in previous post. here's the manufacturer's linls

PH-F140SP (3 pin DCV)
http://phanteks.com/PH-F140SP.html

PH-F140XP (4 pin PWM)
http://phanteks.com/PH-F140XP.html

PWM Fan Hub
http://phanteks.com/PH-PWHUB.html

5. The fans are also available in 120mm versions as well as an MP version of you want greater rpms for some reason (high fpi radiator for example).... I also use the PH-F120MP to mount on the back of HD cages for SLI / CF builds to blow air between cards.

6. PWM = Pule Width Modulation Control / DCV = Direct Current Voltage Contol. Note that all 3 pin MoBo headers are DCV; 4 pin MoBo headers can be PWM or DCV.

7. The problem with "fan controllers" is that it's a misnomer; you are actually the fan controller as you need to turn knobs to change fan speeds. The PCBs use the MoBo signal and utility software to control fan speeds. ModMyToys also sells them, Swiftech sells a PWM version.

8. Too bad FCPU wasn't still around as they carried and shipped internationally. But Phanteks has a presence in Europe, Asia, Oceaina and North America.

9. Amazon work for you ?

http://www.amazon.com/Phanteks-PWM-Fan-Controller-PH-PWHUB_01/dp/B00M0R05WE/ref=sr_1_28?ie=UTF8&qid=1444615277&sr=8-28&keywords=phanteks

10. Otherwise just work ya way down the list on silentpcreview.com

 

[Karadjgne]

You could also go for the Noctua Redux or industrial series which cost more than the standard, sinfully ugly tan/brown. The Redux are black/gray and industrial are black. I personally prefer the Phanteks, I own both Noctua and Phanteks, I have a 120mm MP and a F12, and the Phanteks is quieter and looks better and on my corsair h55 radiator the Phanteks MP has better temps, 3°C at idle and 4°C at stress load.

 

[lazarba]

1. If you have issues with availability, it's a good idea to name the country, so answers can be targeted to your situation.

http://phanteks.com/map.html

2. I wasn't suggesting Noctua fans but prior to Phanteks arrival they were generally considered the defacto "best fan" .

3. Phanteks fans are universally a black frame w/ white bladed. LED colors are white, blue, read, orange and green.

4. As for which ones, I recommended the ones I linked to (newegg gives good descriptions) in previous post. here's the manufacturer's linls

PH-F140SP (3 pin DCV)
http://phanteks.com/PH-F140SP.html

PH-F140XP (4 pin PWM)
http://phanteks.com/PH-F140XP.html

PWM Fan Hub
http://phanteks.com/PH-PWHUB.html

5. The fans are also available in 120mm versions as well as an MP version of you want greater rpms for some reason (high fpi radiator for example).... I also use the PH-F120MP to mount on the back of HD cages for SLI / CF builds to blow air between cards.

6. PWM = Pule Width Modulation Control / DCV = Direct Current Voltage Contol. Note that all 3 pin MoBo headers are DCV; 4 pin MoBo headers can be PWM or DCV.

7. The problem with "fan controllers" is that it's a misnomer; you are actually the fan controller as you need to turn knobs to change fan speeds. The PCBs use the MoBo signal and utility software to control fan speeds. ModMyToys also sells them, Swiftech sells a PWM version.

8. Too bad FCPU wasn't still around as they carried and shipped internationally. But Phanteks has a presence in Europe, Asia, Oceaina and North America.

9. Amazon work for you ?

http://www.amazon.com/Phanteks-PWM-Fan-Controller-PH-PWHUB_01/dp/B00M0R05WE/ref=sr_1_28?ie=UTF8&qid=1444615277&sr=8-28&keywords=phanteks

10. Otherwise just work ya way down the list on silentpcreview.com

Okay, these ones are available in my country :

PH-F140SP
PH-F140HP
PH-F140MP
PH-F140XP

Out of these I have no idea which ones to pick. I plan on getting 2x140mm fans for the top as exhaust and another 2x140mm for the HDD Dock and Side panel(Side as intake , and the HDD dock to push air on my GPU). The HDD dock and side panel only support 120mm fans, which means I need a 140mm which features 120mm mounting, aka circular fans.
The two on the top will be connected with a splitter on the same header ( 4pin header) and the other 2 fans will be connected on a PWM(3pin ) header with another splitter.
Question is which fans do you recommend for each slot ( Top, Side+Dock) knowing my setup plans?
Also, if I were to get a PCB hub later on , should that affect my current fan choice?( And will my fans run at 100% if I plug them at a 3pin header?)
Thank you for your help!

 

[Karadjgne]

You seem a little confused, so I'll put it in English. 3 pin fans are analog. They work on voltage usually 7-12v. The higher the voltage, the faster the fan spins, upto 12v which is full speed. 4pin (pwm) are digital. They operate on a switch. They have a constant 12v that is turned on/off to regulate speed. So a pwm fan at anything less than full speed is always in a state of trying to run full speed, but keeps getting turned off, which is what results in the clicking noise jack mentioned on cheap fans.

A 140mm fan will not fit in a 120mm hole, physically impossible. Some 120mm fans are capable of mounting to either 140mm or 120mm slots, or a 140mm fan will mount to a 120mm vent if 140mm mounts are available.

 

[lazarba]

You seem a little confused, so I'll put it in English. 3 pin fans are analog. They work on voltage usually 7-12v. The higher the voltage, the faster the fan spins, upto 12v which is full speed. 4pin (pwm) are digital. They operate on a switch. They have a constant 12v that is turned on/off to regulate speed. So a pwm fan at anything less than full speed is always in a state of trying to run full speed, but keeps getting turned off, which is what results in the clicking noise jack mentioned on cheap fans.

A 140mm fan will not fit in a 120mm hole, physically impossible. Some 120mm fans are capable of mounting to either 140mm or 120mm slots, or a 140mm fan will mount to a 120mm vent if 140mm mounts are available.

Thank you for your help . What about the message on the bottom of the page here : http://www.thermalright.com/html/products/fan/ty-150.html ?
This fan is designed with PWM function, and full speed will apply when pluged into 3 pins instead of 4 pins .

Also, I can assure you that there are 140mm fans that can, because of their shape not being square , fit in a 120mm fan slot, IF there is the available space. OFC you cant fit a 140mm fan on the rear of a PC chassis that can only accept a 120mm fan on that slot(because of space limitations) , but if there is available room, (see Side panel, Front panel) a 140mm with a cyclical/octagonal shape can fit in a 120mm slot.

If I am not clear enough, heres what I mean : My side panel has a 120mm fan mount, but I can use a 140mm fan on it because there is nothing to constrict it. (http://imgur.com/pOiQRxJ)

 

[Karadjgne]

A 140mm fan is physically larger than the space between 120mm Fan mount holes. Even using a octagonal/round fan base, the 140mm holes in the fan are still designed to fit 140mm fan mount holes. There are some vents like side input, or top exhaust that have both 140mm and 120mm mount holes, some even 200mm mount holes, but you'd still use the 140mm holes for the 140mm fan, not the 120mm holes.

 

[lazarba]

A 140mm fan is physically larger than the space between 120mm Fan mount holes. Even using a octagonal/round fan base, the 140mm holes in the fan are still designed to fit 140mm fan mount holes. There are some vents like side input, or top exhaust that have both 140mm and 120mm mount holes, some even 200mm mount holes, but you'd still use the 140mm holes for the 140mm fan, not the 120mm holes.

This is not the point.
And I am telling you, I have installed 140mm fans on 120mm mounts , and it works just fine.
My side panel only has 120mm mounting holes, as seen in the picture, and yet I have mounted a 140mm fan in the past.
Regardless, this is not the point.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Okay, these ones are available in my country :

PH-F140SP
PH-F140HP
PH-F140MP
PH-F140XP

What do you want ? As indicated above

PH-F140SP = standard 3 pin DCV controlled, standard pressure version (1250-ish max rpm)
PH-F140HP = not generally suitable for case fans, has 120mm mounting holes suitable for mounting on air coolers.
PH-F140MP = standard 3 pin DCV controlled, medium pressure version (1650-ish max rpm)
PH-F140XP = standard 4 pin PWM controlled, standard pressure version (1250-ish max rpm)

Out of these I have no idea which ones to pick. I plan on getting 2x140mm fans for the top as exhaust and another 2x140mm for the HDD Dock and Side panel(Side as intake , and the HDD dock to push air on my GPU). The HDD dock and side panel only support 120mm fans, which means I need a 140mm which features 120mm mounting, aka circular fans.

Top - PH-F140SP for 3 pin .... PH-F140XP for connection to 4 pin headers
Side - PH-F120SP
HD Cage - PH-F120MP

The HP's in my experience will not mount in cases limited to 120mm fans. I mean it is feasible but the obvious question exists.... if it could fit the 140mm "circle" why would they limit you to a 120mm mounting screw arrangement instead of making allowance for both 120mm and 140mm mounting like just about every other manufacturers ? I have tried the HP's in 120mm spots and they didn't fit ... were too wide. I'm sure there;s a acse or 2 out there where they might.

Also I strongly recommend against splitter cables, use PCBs much neater. In addition, one advantage of PWM is that it generally allows slower rpms w/o stalling (< 30%); with variable voltage, you can have a point where if you start the fan up at 12v and slow it dopwn to say 5 volts it will run, but if the fan stops, the 5V is not enough to overcome inertia and get the fan going again. PWM avoids this by pulsing only 12v. The PCBs however overcome this limitation, all my 3 pin PH-140SPs go down to 25% of full speed when using the PWM=>DCV hubs

The two on the top will be connected with a splitter on the same header ( 4pin header) and the other 2 fans will be connected on a PWM(3pin ) header with another splitter.

Putting a PWM fan on a 3 pin header is not recommended....
http://www.swiftech.com/pwmcontrollers.aspx
http://www.nidec.net/apps.htm (Hit "more" 3 times)

4. Pulse-width modulation of DC operating voltage to modify fan speed [edit: in PWM devices] is not recommended. Transients generated by that approach can irreversibly damage motor commutation and control electronics and dramatically shorten the life of a fan.

Question is which fans do you recommend for each slot ( Top, Side+Dock) knowing my setup plans?

See above

Also, if I were to get a PCB hub later on , should that affect my current fan choice?( And will my fans run at 100% if I plug them at a 3pin header?)
Thank you for your help!

PCB Hubs reduce overall cost and allow for much neater cable routing. PWM Fans can be replaced by a PWM=>DCV PCB wherever it says above to use PWM

ModMyToys makes PCBS ..... both PWM=> PWM and DCV=>DCV and they are really heap....usually cheaper than splitters.

This one does 4 PWM Fans
http://www.performance-pcs.com/modmytoys-4-pin-pwm-power-distribution-pcb-4-way-block.html

This one does 3 DCV fans
http://www.performance-pcs.com/modmytoys-3-pin-power-distribution-pcb-3-way-block.html

To go PWM, you need a Phanteks hub. NZXT recently came out with one but reps have been a bit close mouthed on and have not answered question son how it differs from the Phanteks model.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=pcb+modmytoys